Catarrh refers to the inflammation of the mucous membranes and the associated excess production and congestion of a thick mucosal secretion, generally associated with respiratory or digestive illness. It most often manifests itself with symptoms such as dry cough or constipation.Anticatarrhals are then herbs which aid in the removal of such substances from the body to expedite healing. These herbs can work to produce the same result in different ways.
Some of the anticatarrhals contain high concentrations of tannins which work via an astringent effect--meaning that the herbs cause tissues to contract and restrict the excretion of the fluids being produced. The contraction of tissues would also cause an anti-inflammatory effect which would allow swollen tissues to shrink and allow passage of mucous more easily out of the body.
Many of the anticatarrhals also have antimicrobial effects which lesson the need for an inflammatory response, which would slow the production of mucous as well.
Some of these herbs are also mucilaginous-they soften and protect the mucosal tissues while adding a soft mucous-like substance to the congestion allowing it to thin and move more easily through the cavities and out of the body.
By whatever means, anticatarrhal herbs are effective and should be considered for any illness that shows signs of congestion in the bowel or respiratory system. Such illnesses might include, but are definitely not limited to: irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, influenza, whooping cough, bronchitis or the common cold.
Anticatarrhal Herbs
* Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) * Anise * Barberry *
* Bayberry * Bearberry (Uva ursi) * Bistort * Black Walnut *
* Bloodroot * Borage * Burdock * Capsicum (Cayenne) *
* Chinese Angelica (Wild Celery) * Cloves * Coltsfoot *
* Comfrey (Boneset) * Coriander (Cilantro) * Cransebill *
* Cubebs * Dill Seed * Echinacea * Elder * Elecampane *
* Eucalyptus * Eyebright * Fennel Seed * Fig * Flax Seed *
* Garlic * Ginger * Goldenseal * Goldenrod * Heartsease *
* Horseradish * Hyssop * Iceland Moss * Irish Moss *
* Juniper Berries * Lemon * Lobelia * Lungwort *
* Marshmallow * Milk Thistle * Mullein * Peppermint *
* Pleurisy Root * Raisins * Safflower * Sage * Sarsaparilla *
* Sorrel * Thyme * Wild Cherry * Wild Yam * Wild Indigo *
* Wintergreen * Wood Sorrel * Yarrow * Yerba Santa *
* Bayberry * Bearberry (Uva ursi) * Bistort * Black Walnut *
* Bloodroot * Borage * Burdock * Capsicum (Cayenne) *
* Chinese Angelica (Wild Celery) * Cloves * Coltsfoot *
* Comfrey (Boneset) * Coriander (Cilantro) * Cransebill *
* Cubebs * Dill Seed * Echinacea * Elder * Elecampane *
* Eucalyptus * Eyebright * Fennel Seed * Fig * Flax Seed *
* Garlic * Ginger * Goldenseal * Goldenrod * Heartsease *
* Horseradish * Hyssop * Iceland Moss * Irish Moss *
* Juniper Berries * Lemon * Lobelia * Lungwort *
* Marshmallow * Milk Thistle * Mullein * Peppermint *
* Pleurisy Root * Raisins * Safflower * Sage * Sarsaparilla *
* Sorrel * Thyme * Wild Cherry * Wild Yam * Wild Indigo *
* Wintergreen * Wood Sorrel * Yarrow * Yerba Santa *
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